thoughts on upgrading my bike vs. getting a new one

[danesgod]

Hey all! I was sent here from my post on reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whichbike/comments/9itb86/considering_upgrading_my_road_bike/?st=jmjo35rv&sh=8726c7ea

Basically, I'm looking to start researching new bikes vs. upgrading my Klein Aura XV (I think - I bought it used a few years ago). Honestly, I don't know enough about road bikes to know off the top of my head if I can do a full groupset swap on the Klein, or if its too old. Also, I kind of want disc brakes.

As I said over in that post, "I know enough about bikes to have an eye for boutique brands and interesting/custom things. Call me elitist, but I probably don't want something... common." That being said, I'm not the biggest roadie, so I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for.

I haven't decided to go custom or not. Just looking for people's input/suggestions on unique and interesting brands. Bikes I like looking at include caletti, speedvagen, allied (I've been browsing here (http://cycling-passion.com/boutique-bicycle-manufacturers/)).

I'm happy to end up with a used bike, the person who sent me here also suggested at my price point (<3-4k), I could end up with something nice, used off the classifieds here.

Thanks in advance!

[Hindmost]

You probably should include what kind of riding you would like to do. Road or off-road, gravel? Distances you might be comfortable riding. Or perhaps you looking at a bike as a collectible item; not that there's anything wrong with that (many of us have one or more.)

[sparky33]

The Reddit link is comprehensive.
You probably should include what kind of riding you would like to do. Road or off-road, gravel? Distances you might be comfortable riding. Or perhaps you looking at a bike as a collectible item; not that there's anything wrong with that (many of us have one or more.)

fwiw my read of the situation says go for a new/used modern disc road bike.
Welcome to the forum.

[bikinchris]

I agree. If you want to try out disc brakes, a new steed is in order. If you know what size bike you need, look for a recent used bike to get the best deal.

[yinzerniner]

The Reddit link is comprehensive.


fwiw my read of the situation says go for a new/used modern disc road bike.
Welcome to the forum.

Sounds like 28-32mm tires max and weight is a priority, so maybe start with carbon road disc from big manufacturers to try out, then see if any boutique builders can come close to the feel and quality?

Tires then Geo will be the biggest determinations in riding comfort, but "sexyniss" is so subjective that it might make sense for the OP to just figure out what hard specs he wants and then get a frame custom painted or custom manufactured.

FWIW, these ones below in the PL classifieds could fit the bill IF the geo and weight is OK.
https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=227337&highlight=disc
https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=227378&highlight=disc
https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=227054&highlight=disc
https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=227329&highlight=disc

[andeww]

you can definitely just pimp out the klein but getting a new bike is always fun

https://lh5.ggpht.com/DiabloScottsBikeBlog/Rx-ssDz5_-I/AAAAAAAABkk/vbOsNaYUAAk/s800/Klein%20Quantum%20Pro%202000-2%2014-3lbs%20.jpg

[danesgod]

wow, you guys have a super active forum. there wasn't much help on reddit. Andeww - that klein looks great!

so maybe start with carbon road disc from big manufacturers to try out, then see if any boutique builders can come close to the feel and quality?

Maybe that's what I'm kind of apprehensive about. I've ridden few road bikes and I'm really not even sure what I liked. I should probably determine the geometries of all the bikes I have and narrow down what I want.

FWIW, these ones below in the PL classifieds could fit the bill IF the geo and weight is OK.
https://forums.thepaceline.net/showt...highlight=disc

That Lynksy is nice too. I'll probably spend a few months trolling the classifieds ads while researching. You all have a nice set up, better than craigslist. :)

Thanks for the advice so far!

[john903]

Welcome to the best forum around. There is a wealth of knowledge here in aspect of bikes and many other off topic subjects. While the classifieds are good the conversations and dispensing of knowledge is better. So feel free to hang out and talk and you will find the classifieds are a by product of this great place.
Have a great day.

[sfghbiker]

The answer clearly depends on the paintjob of your bike. If its a boring paintjob sell your Klein and buy a used bike from the classifieds here or have Paul Sadoff in Santa Cruz build one for you to measure. If its one with an incredible fade, keep forever, buy new bike as above. Trot out old bike on the weekends for group rides on the Peninsula where people will give you lots of love for your old Klein.

[Hilltopperny]

Welcome to the forum! Lots of great bikes and knowledge here. I enjoy trying out all kinds of bikes and then moving some of them along at the end of the season.

After quite a few different setups and bikes I’ve found what I have been looking for. Sometimes it takes a while, but the process can be a lot of fun.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rnhood]

With a budget of $3-4K you could get a very good brand new bike with the latest equipment, and a warranty. There are many choices out there, so take your time and give them due consideration. Your budget of $3-4K actually puts you at the point of diminishing returns. More money might buy lighter weight, or more flash, maybe more gizmos, but it doesn't necessarily buy a better overall bike. You will get an up to date bike with a warranty that will put a smile on your face from the first pedal stroke. Take a look at the Specialized, Trek, Giant, etc., offerings. There are many others too.

[Expedited]

Man, your budget is huge. On a road bike, I'd say you can get away with a very nice bike used for around $1000-$1500. Leave some money in your pocket and you'll be left with a nice modern 11 speed carbon or boutique alloy bike.

[kramnnim]

If you use Facebook, join the group "Online Swap Meet", has lots of cycling related stuff for sale.

[kramnnim]

For example, there's a Pinarello Gan Disc with etap HRD and Rotor power meter for 4.5k... :eek:

[danesgod]

The answer clearly depends on the paintjob of your bike. If its a boring paintjob sell your Klein and buy a used bike from the classifieds here or have Paul Sadoff in Santa Cruz build one for you to measure. If its one with an incredible fade, keep forever, buy new bike as above. Trot out old bike on the weekends for group rides on the Peninsula where people will give you lots of love for your old Klein.

I think I'm going to like it here! Heh. Unfortunately, its silver with carbon
https://i.imgur.com/AkaXdwH.jpg

Man, your budget is huge. On a road bike, I'd say you can get away with a very nice bike used for around $1000-$1500. Leave some money in your pocket and you'll be left with a nice modern 11 speed carbon or boutique alloy bike.

Don't get me wrong, if I can spend less. I'll be happy!

You will get an up to date bike with a warranty that will put a smile on your face from the first pedal stroke. Take a look at the Specialized, Trek, Giant, etc., offerings.

I'll likely test ride a few of these if possible. My gut tells me I want something more unique.

edited to shrink photo.

[danesgod]

Holy **** how do I make that picture smaller...

[Peter P.]

Holy **** how do I make that picture smaller...

Stand FAR AWAY from your computer screen.

[weisan]

Holy **** how do I make that picture smaller...

Simple, go here.
http://www.simpleimageresizer.com

[weisan]

I just "upgraded" a 15-year-old Merlin...I say go for it! :D

http://alicehui.com/bike/Merlin/IMG_9843.jpg

[yinzerniner]

Don't get me wrong, if I can spend less. I'll be happy!

I'll likely test ride a few of these if possible. My gut tells me I want something more unique.

So when you say "unique," are you specifically looking for aesthetics, or for ride qualities and/or features and idiosyncrasies?

If it's the former, then either a boutique or custom maker would be the best bet, or even getting a frame painted for you after purchase. If it's the latter then you'll have to do a TON of test riding to dial in what you're looking for.

It seems like you'll never be satisfied unless the "uniqueness" of the bike satisfies your defined urge, but then again that might never happen given the innate "N+1" tendencies of all bike owners.

And the bikes by the big boys (Giant, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Scott, Fuji, Colnago, Pinarello et al) are all pretty amazing. Even comparing them to five years ago you'll find huge differences. And now that the big brands have started getting serious about in-house components they really are fantastic values to be found from you LBS.

Add Canyon to your list as well, as their pricing for level of kit and components and try before you buy policy is pretty great. Or if you're an RCC member I know they have Canyons in their fleet to rent.

Too many bikes, not enough time.

[weiwentg]

It's worth throwing out there: upgrading the components will get you much lower gearing, which will seriously help with the climbs. Modern 11s groups will probably be a significant step up in all other respects also. If you can fit 25-28c tires on modern rims on the bike, that will be a big step up in comfort also. You shouldn't absolutely need 28-32c tires unless you want to take your main bike off road. In other words, if you feel like this bike fits you well, then you could fit a lot of modern componentry on the bike, get a very significant boost in function, and save a bunch of money.

If you want to buy a new bike from scratch, then obviously nobody here will stop you. There are too many good builders to really recommend a single builder. If you go the custom route, then it's going to be about the combined skill of the person fitting you and building the bike (they may be the same person, or they may not be).

[danesgod]

So when you say "unique," are you specifically looking for aesthetics, or for ride qualities and/or features and idiosyncrasies?

If it's the former, then either a boutique or custom maker would be the best bet, or even getting a frame painted for you after purchase. If it's the latter then you'll have to do a TON of test riding to dial in what you're looking for.

It seems like you'll never be satisfied unless the "uniqueness" of the bike satisfies your defined urge, but then again that might never happen given the innate "N+1" tendencies of all bike owners.

And the bikes by the big boys (Giant, Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Scott, Fuji, Colnago, Pinarello et al) are all pretty amazing. Even comparing them to five years ago you'll find huge differences. And now that the big brands have started getting serious about in-house components they really are fantastic values to be found from you LBS.

Add Canyon to your list as well, as their pricing for level of kit and components and try before you buy policy is pretty great. Or if you're an RCC member I know they have Canyons in their fleet to rent.

Too many bikes, not enough time.

In terms of what I'm looking for in uniqueness. After years of BMX, I like to ride local or rider owned parts and frames. I listened to too much punk rock and would rather support a small company than a big one. I'm not particularly looking for novel ride qualities, more aesthetics and idiosyncrasies. I also have a penchant for metal with the BMX background, but I also recently bought a carbon MTB, so my world is a little shaken.

Honestly, I shouldn't have a problem with the big name companies you mentioned. I guess I'm just an elitist?

Modern 11s groups will probably be a significant step up in all other respects also.

Maybe this is a dumb question, but if I have 8 gears on my cog currently, is a 11 going to fit? Is there an obvious way to determine this? ...as I mentioned, I come from a land of single speed.

[kramnnim]

No, 11 wont fit.

[jtakeda]

If a modern road bike is what you’re after you’ve come to the right place.

You have a big budget. Why not pick this up and call it a day? https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=226479

It’ll be a good enough bike that you won’t be looking to upgrade in another 20 years.

Ps discs for road are nice but not an absolute necessity

[Zee]

BMX history, you say?

Taj grew up a bit. Not custom, but not common. Rockitship is the 'all road/touring' thing, Goodship is the 'racer' thing. (http://fairdalebikes.com/)

FBM built stuff right here. Coffee Grinder would be the one. (https://www.endpoint.bike/)

[Mzilliox]

yup, ill tell you right now you are gonna buy a new bike used very soon.

at 5'8" the 55cm speedvagen is likely too big, id assume 53-54 top tube sized bike. id have a look at the disc zanconato cross bike hilltopper is selling. fade paint, discs, and room for fatter tires, all more punk than some trek.

also, ill most likely be selling my seven slx carbon ti frame which is 54.5 seven sizing.

[danesgod]

BMX history, you say?

Taj grew up a bit. Not custom, but not common. Rockitship is the 'all road/touring' thing, Goodship is the 'racer' thing. (http://fairdalebikes.com/)

FBM built stuff right here. Coffee Grinder would be the one. (https://www.endpoint.bike/)

Funnily enough, I'm trying to sell a Fairdale right now. (https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2330892/) I really liked that bike, but I just don't ride it these days. It was my single speed commuter and bar-hopper before I had a kid. I replaced it with something with gears: Jamis Aurora Elite, which also better pulls a baby trailer.

I looked at the Goodship last night actually, I believe they're out of stock in 54cm. My medium parser express (stock parts) doesn't quite fit (the stem is too long), but was a amazingly fun commuter.

I haven't seen the company FBM is building for. That's definitely tempting.

yup, ill tell you right now you are gonna buy a new bike used very soon.

at 5'8" the 55cm speedvagen is likely too big, id assume 53-54 top tube sized bike. id have a look at the disc zanconato cross bike hilltopper is selling. fade paint, discs, and room for fatter tires, all more punk than some trek.

also, ill most likely be selling my seven slx carbon ti frame which is 54.5 seven sizing.

Yea, I agree the 55cm speedvagen is too big, though I could probably work with it. I typically look for 54.

[Zee]

Funnily enough, I'm trying to sell a Fairdale right now. (https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2330892/) I really liked that bike, but I just don't ride it these days. It was my single speed commuter and bar-hopper before I had a kid. I replaced it with something with gears: Jamis Aurora Elite, which also better pulls a baby trailer.

I looked at the Goodship last night actually, I believe they're out of stock in 54cm. My medium parser express (stock parts) doesn't quite fit (the stem is too long), but was a amazingly fun commuter.

I haven't seen the company FBM is building for. That's definitely tempting.



Yea, I agree the 55cm speedvagen is too big, though I could probably work with it. I typically look for 54.
Surf Blue Complete (https://store.fairdalebikes.com/collections/fairdale-goodship/products/goodship-surf-blue)

Electric Blue FFH (Electric Blue FFH)

Surf Blue FFH (https://store.fairdalebikes.com/collections/fairdale-frame-fork-kits/products/goodship-surf-blue-frame-enve-fork)

[sfghbiker]

circling back around on my earlier comments. you should seriously call Paul at Rock Lobster. He is local to you, a one man shop and has a huge history building high quality steel and aluminum frames. You can go to his shop in Santa Cruz, get measured and then hunt for good deals on the parts to build the bike with while he welds the frame. He built me a cross bike and I would ABSOLUTELY do it again with him regardless of budget.

[cmg]

https://allcitycycles.com/ check out all city bikes. produced in low enough numbers to be unique without breaking the bank. Get a frame and fork, transfer parts, sell the rest.

[rkhatibi]

fwiw, you can increase the range of your current bike quite a bit with a few parts. I did the same to a friend's Quantum Race. 38T front sprocket, Deore 9sp RD, and HG51 8-Speed cassette. Looked pretty decent and worked well. Was massively better on the hills, but you're going to lose the close ratio.

[GParkes]

I just wrestled with upgrading an older Scott Plasma TT frame with ETAP. Weighed the cost of ETAP and new cockpit ($2K total) versus new bike. I found a mint, 4 year newer model Scott Plasma with the cockpit I want and near new Ultegra group for $2200 total. Sold the old bike for $700 = net to me $1,500. Look around, get a new (perhaps used) bike and you'll be very happy.

[harlond]

Isn't the right answer, do both? Get a new and updated geared road bike and "upgrade" the existing bike into something a little different, maybe a single speed or fixie, or a gravel bike if you can fit wider tires.

When I stumbled into a new titanium frame, I turned my existing road bike into a single speed. I like riding both of them.

[Pastashop]

Build kits / parts can be had cheaper via Wiggle, etc., but you’re going to get more for your money buying a whole bike on the forum. If you haven’t tried the 28-35 mm (Compass / Vittoria / Schwalbe) premium tire range on the road, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Just put out a WTB ad and you’ll get lots of offers - IME.

[danesgod]

Well here I am, a few months older and not much wiser, having done a holiday deep clean of my Klein and I'm itching to fix it up a bit. Herein lies my problem: I have no idea what I'm doing. Years of riding bikes (BMX primarily) have led to me having strong opinions on things I don't like, but I don't even know where to begin upgrading this thing. Road bikes are a mish mash of sizes, materials, brands, and generations I'm only beginning to grow familiar with.

Issues I'm currently addressing:

The blue seat and red accents on the stem - something's gotta go. I'm on the search for a black seat, I think.
Speaking of the stem, I actually crashed this bike descending King's Mountain Rd. over a year ago. The BMXer in me rode 40 miles home, bloodied, no big deal. In retrospect, I'd like to replace my stem (carbon and chipped) as well as my bars (I think). Nothing has exploded in the subsequent time and I've reevaluated the purpose of roadbiking vs mtb/bmx. If the bars/stem seem to fit ok, I'm planning to aim for something around the same size.
Somehow I ended up with mismatching waterbottle cages, which annoyed me deeply. I just ordered these two (1 (https://www.jensonusa.com/Zipp-Alumina-Water-Bottle-Cage), 2 (https://www.jensonusa.com/Portland-Design-Works-Bird-Cage) (in silver)) hopefully they match each other and the bike.
Those SPD pedals are over a decade old. I think they are the cheapest shimano SPD. I'd be interested in trying something new, but I have 2 pairs of SPD shoes, on two bikes with SPD that I like to be cross compatible.


Wheels? Groupset? Where would you all begin with the bigger (more $) stuff? I originally wanted to go discs - I might save that for a new gravel-y bike someday. As far as "more gears," I want them, but at least at the moment I'm getting up every hill around here I go out and try, so, maybe not worth the effort/cost?

performance ~ aesthetics > money (hah, well, I guess we'll see about that)

I plan to get some higher quality photos tonight. Thanks (again) in advance.

[sib]

I have the PD-A600 pedals, which have now been superceded by the PD-ES600s. Lightest SPD pedals around.

https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/product/component/ultegra-r8000/PD-ES600.html

[Gummee]

Isn't the right answer, do both? Get a new and updated geared road bike and "upgrade" the existing bike into something a little different, maybe a single speed or fixie, or a gravel bike if you can fit wider tires.

When I stumbled into a new titanium frame, I turned my existing road bike into a single speed. I like riding both of them.

Celebrate that Klein for what it was, and get something to complement it. Whether that something is a fat-tired road bike or gravel bike, fixed gear, or a mtn bike to go ride off-road farther. IOW abuse the bike that isn't a classic.

See the Rawland thread for one idea

M

[bikinchris]

Okay, so after thinking a bit, you want to upgrade the bike.

Do you have a budget? Are you looking for bang-for-the-buck parts? Sweet high end stuff?

For low but good, most people would suggest Shimano Ultegra. You can get everything including new wheels and bar/stem (under the name Pro) from them.

For high end, personally I like SRAM Red. Especially the wireless shifting, eTap. That with Easton EC90 carbon bar and stem and Rolf wheels and you've got a high end parts kit. And a light bike.

[danesgod]

Okay, so after thinking a bit, you want to upgrade the bike.

Do you have a budget? Are you looking for bang-for-the-buck parts? Sweet high end stuff?

For low but good, most people would suggest Shimano Ultegra. You can get everything including new wheels and bar/stem (under the name Pro) from them.

For high end, personally I like SRAM Red. Especially the wireless shifting, eTap. That with Easton EC90 carbon bar and stem and Rolf wheels and you've got a high end parts kit. And a light bike.

I'd like to spend as little as possible to accomplish my goals, but I have no budget per se, as the other option was buying something significantly more expensive (new bike). Somewhere between bang-for-your buck and top-end, I'm not racing anyone.

I have no desire for wireless shifting. My one big question regarding a groupset swap is what actually is going to fit on that older wheel/frame. I'm not even sure how to figure this out, is there something I can measure?

Its currently got an ultegra groupset on it, I'd like to not go heavier/lower.

Celebrate that Klein for what it was, and get something to complement it. Whether that something is a fat-tired road bike or gravel bike, fixed gear, or a mtn bike to go ride off-road farther. IOW abuse the bike that isn't a classic.

See the Rawland thread for one idea

M

I think the big question is upgrading the Klein, attempting to keep it similar to what it was (not a total overhaul) vs. buying a new/new-used road bike.

I actually already have: a single speed (Fairdale Parser Express), my baby-toting, touring bike that handles gravel well with a tire swap (Jamis Aurora Elite), a full-suspension aggressive trail bike (Evil Calling), and a BMX bike. Oh yea, and a old mountain tandem that I need to sell.

In a few years I may get a modern gravel bike too, but I'm having too much fun sending it on the FS for now.

I have the PD-A600 pedals, which have now been superceded by the PD-ES600s. Lightest SPD pedals around.


Thanks I'll check them out. Stupid question, any reason they're 1-sided?

[Dude]

Not sure if you've done this yet but go into a bike shop (or 3) and test ride some bikes. You're never going to know what you want by an internet full of opinions. From there you'll have a baseline of some of the bikes, technologies and how the feel under you. I understand your desire for something unique, but there are a lot of good bikes out there offered in shops that look good. Some shops even have unique bikes.

As to your original question, your Klein probably isn't worth much on the open market (maaaaybe $500). I'd start with some new wheels, something deepish carbon to wake your Klein up a bit. If you forget about upgrading your bike, if that scratches the itch, than problem solved. If that still doesn't do it, get a new bike.

You have to promise to come back next year and post pics.

[danesgod]

Not sure if you've done this yet but go into a bike shop (or 3) and test ride some bikes. You're never going to know what you want by an internet full of opinions. From there you'll have a baseline of some of the bikes, technologies and how the feel under you. I understand your desire for something unique, but there are a lot of good bikes out there offered in shops that look good. Some shops even have unique bikes.


I guess one thing I didn't really address here, I did buy a $$$, new, full suspension mountain bike earlier in 2018. Now, I don't mind buying two new bikes in close succession, and honestly, the budget exists, but my wife might lose her mind... Even if both of them last another 10+ years. :)

[vqdriver]

Welcome to the forum. We love spending other people's money so you are our favorite kind of member


You have a good budget to get something nice. Honestly the shopping part is more fun than the buying part. If i were you id shop for a frameset and build it up. Not hard with the right tools, a good set of allens goes a looong way. Im sure 99% of us taught ourselves thru trial and error.

After going thru your same process heres where i came down.

Etap yes
Discs meh
Boutique frame cache waning
Carbon wheels yes